Arizona Bloggers Network

I started blogging in August 2007 when I moved out here to Arizona from Texas. It was a way to keep several family members and friends in the loop without sending mass emails of updates or pictures. When I received my first comment from a then-stranger, I realized my blog was being read by more than just people I knew in person. It grew exponentially from there, and as of today, I am great friends with my first outside commenter.

My current favorite post is “Life check-ups.” It’s an honest post about the necessities in marriage and relationships, and how we all need to “check” ourselves often. I love when I write a post that is honest, yet hopefully encouraging, and in turn, encourage myself.

If you saw my Google Reader, you would see there are way too many to list here! A few favorites that tend to inspire my writing are as follows:
- Marriage Confessions: This blog first encouraged me to be open and honest about my marriage as we struggled through our first year. Through the honesty, I received so much encouragement and feedback and learned we weren’t the only ones who had a rocky start.
- Sarah Markley: Sarah encourages me in my writing with her honesty and style.
- I Heart Organizing: I am quite the lover of organization, and this blog is so inspiring with tips and ideas.

I love the community I have been able to reach out to and learn from. I have met so many wonderful people both locally and nationally. I remember when my husband had a quick stint at the hospital last year, one of the first people to reach out to me was actually a reader of mine. It is amazing how bridges can be built over blogs alone.

Be honest, but respectful. I read others’ blogs because I can learn from them and not feel alone. I know certain readers who read my blog because they know I won’t fluff things up. There’s a fine line between honesty and respect, and once you find it, you become so real and relatable.

“Twenty-four hours.” I am a chronic worrier and avid planner, so I try to make myself live within the next twenty-four hours only.

I’ll have been in Arizona for five years as of August. I originally planned on only being here for five months!

While it isn’t a secret to those who live here, the weather really is ideal. Sans June, July and August, we get very spoiled with the constant sunshine and lack of rain. Coming from Texas, rain is a daily happening and something you just come to expect. Here? It’s a news story!